PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed one of the nation’s most aggressive pieces of pro-climate legislation into law.
The measure signed on Friday makes Oregon the first state to eliminate coal from its energy supply by legislation, which will happen in phases through 2030.
It also requires utilities to provide half of their customers’ power from renewable sources by 2040, which doubles the previous standard. That helps Oregon climb the ranks for renewable energy as well, joining five other states with the most stringent requirements in the U.S.
Brown and her fellow Democrats said it’s an important step in Oregon’s shift from fossil fuels to clean energy. Republican lawmakers strongly opposed it, citing concerns about rising consumer costs and overstated environmental benefits.
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